Pensions (Contributions)

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking under the new pension scheme to inform women over 60 years and men over 65 years still at work that they are no longer liable to pay national insurance contributions; and whether refund will be made of any contributions paid in error.

Information about the ending of liability for national insurance contributions of people reaching pensionable age was included in the publicity about the new contribution rates which came into effect today and in appropriate departmental leaflets. A form drawing176W
attention to the change was included with the contribution tables issued to employers and a leaflet containing similar information is being enclosed when a self-employed or non-employed person exchanges his now-expired 1977–78 card for a new one. A note on the change is also printed on the new card.

Where contributions are wrongly paid by people over pensionable age, they are refundable.